Prediabetes is associated with genetic variations in the gene encoding the K ir6.2 subunit of the pancreatic ATP ‐sensitive potassium channel ( KCNJ11 ): A case‐control study in a H an C hinese youth population

Background The E23K variant of the potassium voltage‐gated channel subfamily J member 11 ( KCNJ11 ) gene has been reported to be associated with type 2 diabetes ( T2D ) in many populations. However, little is known about the role of E23K in the development of prediabetes in C hinese youth. Methods To investigate the role of E23K in the development of prediabetes, 279 subjects with prediabetes and 240 normal controls (mean [± SD ] age 18.1 ± 3.2 and 17.8 ± 4.3 years, respectively) were recruited to the study. Height, weight, and hip and waist circumferences were measured by trained physicians. Genotyping of KCNJ11 polymorphisms and clinical laboratory tests to determine cholesterol, triglyceride ( TG ), blood glucose, and insulin levels were performed. Results The carrier rate of K23 allele‐containing genotypes was higher for prediabetic than control subjects ( P  = 0.005). Logistic regression analyses revealed that higher body mass index percentiles ( P   =  0.013), lower insulin levels at 30 min during an oral glucose tolerance test ( P   =  0.001), a higher ratio of total cholesterol: high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ( P   =  0.001), and a K allele‐containing genotype ( P   =  0.019) are independent risk factors for prediabetes in C hinese H an youth. Furthermore, K23 allele‐containing genotypes were associated with impaired indices of insulin secretion and β‐cell function in female youth with prediabetes. These effects were not seen in male youth with prediabetes. Conclusions The results confirm that the common E23K polymorphism of KCNJ11 carries a higher susceptibility to the development of prediabetes in the C hinese H an population. The results suggest that E23K may have a greater effect on the development of T2D in female C hinese youth.